Nature

Polite Visitor

by Josephine Preston Peabody 1874–1922

From The Book of the Little Past (1910)

Nature

I feel polite, outside the door;
But when it should begin,
I can't remember Not to ask
If just their Cat is in.

And if the Sun should sprinkle through
Along the floor that way,
I can't remember what I do
If I am Urged to Stay.

And when I've shaken hands all round,
--No matter how I try,
I can't remember Not to go
And Kiss their Dog good-by,
--Good-by,
--Good-by!

Yes, thank you, please.--They're Very Well;
--I think I'd better go.

Yes, thank you, please. I'm always late;
My Mother told me so.
Yes, thank you!--If I Have to Bring
A message,--yes, I'll come;
--And if your Bird will only Sing;
--And when your Cat is home.

MLA

Peabody, Josephine Preston. “Polite Visitor.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/peabody/92/.

Chicago

Peabody, Josephine Preston. “Polite Visitor.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/peabody/92/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Josephine Preston Peabody